WELCOME TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS VIRGINIA – LOUDOUN COUNTY
Providing year-round sports training & athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is a movement built on inclusion, where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability of disability. We are helping make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place through the power of sport.
WHAT WE DO
Through the transformative power of sports, Special Olympics Virginia – Loudoun County (SOVA Loudoun) gives continuing opportunities to discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence, and fulfillment on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
We provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The sports training consists of at least weekly practices at local facilities. During each sports season, the athlete can choose to participate in competitions held in Northern Virginia. Each season is capped off with a State competition, often the highlight of the season. Some of our sports are offered off-season as well in order to continue to offer additional training and fitness opportunities.
WHO WE SERVE
Athletes ages 8 and up enjoy sports all year long. Our program offers opportunities to participate at many levels – skill building, one-on-one partnerships, competitive, and unified school sports teams. Plus there is a Young Athletes program for ages 2-7.
COUNCIL
GLOBAL MESSENGER
Global Messengers become community leaders who communicate powerful stories of hope, acceptance, dignity and courage around the world. They help spread our mission and vision, as well as encourage the community to participate in Special Olympics as an athlete, sponsor or volunteer. Global Messengers have given speeches to schools, corporations and community groups across the Commonwealth, and have assisted with numerous fundraisers and Opening Ceremonies.
GLOBAL MESSENGER ANDREW O. STARR II, 2024-26
Andrew Is a resident of Waterford, Virginia and a graduate of both Woodgrove High School and the Academies of Loudoun (Monroe Advanced Technical Academy). Andrew is pursuing a BA in History at Shenandoah University and a minor in Theatre.
Andrew has been active in Special Olympics since 2016. He has earned numerous awards at Regional and State Games as well as served as a volunteer in assisting other athletes.
His many recognitions include: Honorary Marine (USMC) , National Honor Society, LED Fellow and Lambda Delta Honor Society at Shenandoah University, Culinary Institute of America certified fundamentalism chef and an award participant for the USMC Annual Wounded Warrior Recognition Day.
